The significance of the resurrection of Jesus in my Indian context is multi-faceted. When I’m talking about the resurrection of Jesus in our multi-religious, multi-cultural and pluralistic culture of India, I have to re-interpret the significance of Christ’s resurrection for our diverse communities. The salvific significance of Christ’s work on the cross, and his resurrection should first and foremost be taught and proclaimed, as the good news of salvation for the various religious and ethnic communities. As a second order to this, when I am witnessing Christ for instance to the Dalits, Tribals and the Adivasis (the poor and marginalized, also called the dust of the dust), I use Christ’s resurrection as a model for liberation out of the clutches of oppression and dehumanization. As Christ was humiliated on the cross, and was raised by the Father from the grave, so also, Christian mission should focus on the upliftment of the oppressed out of the bondages of poverty, casteism, sin and injustice.

Resurrection is therefore a unique missional paradigm, comprising the historical reality of Christ’s resurrection, its salvific significance as well as its social implications.

2 Responses to “A Missional Paradigm for the Resurrection”

The Indian context as forwarded by Johnson is indeed commendable. I also visualize the ‘Resurrection’ event to extending the area of humanisation in a holistic approach. When it comes to the Dalits and the underprivileged, resurrection implies to victory in the spiritual realm and physical realm and this is what they will interpret. The message will seem void without touching their ardent needs. Spiritual victory alongside physical atrocities and defeat will seem an abstract reality!

Agreed, Primingson, but I think also that Johnson’s point is that the reason for the resurrection being missional does not lie in the truth that “spiritual victory alongside physical atrocities and defeat will seem an abstract reality” but in the nature of the resurrection itself.